Adjusting to college can be difficult, but here are a handful of players whose performances grew by leaps and bounds in their second year on campus.

Adam Rittenberg ESPN Staff Writer

Northwestern quarterback Clayton Thorson recently underwent successful ACL surgery, according to the school. An additional update on his prognosis could come soon. Wildcats linebacker Nate Hall also recently had successful ACL surgery. Thorson's injury occurred in the Music City Bowl, while Hall's happened during bowl practice.

Pac-12 referee Chris Coyte, whose decision to eject Kentucky running back Benny Snell from the Music City Bowl was widely criticized, received a barrage of threatening calls to his cell and office phones, sources told ESPN.

Adam Rittenberg ESPN Staff Writer

I can confirm Pitt is hiring Randy Bates as defensive coordinator, as first reported by Yahoo! earlier today. Bates coached linebackers at Northwestern, which could move recently hired Tim McGarigle into that role. But I'm told Pat Fitzgerald will take his time sorting out the roles on defense.

Former Northwestern linebacker Tim McGarigle, the FBS record-holder with 545 tackles, has been hired as the Wildcats' safeties coach.

Mitch Sherman ESPN Staff Writer

Northwestern has officially hired Lou Ayeni as running backs coach and recruiting coordinator. On this first day that FBS programs are allowed to add a 10th assistant coach, Ayeni leaves his role at Iowa State, where he worked for four seasons -- the past two under Matt Campbell as associate head coach and running game coordinator. Ayeni played running back and safety at Northwestern and began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the Big Ten school. Veteran Matt MacPherson moves for the Wildcats to special teams coordinator and cornerbacks coach under Pat Fitzgerald.

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Adam Rittenberg ESPN Staff Writer

Source: Northwestern is hiring Iowa State's Louis Ayeni as running backs coach. Ayeni, who played running back at Northwestern, coached the backs and served as associate head coach at Iowa State. Yahoo first reported the move. Strong hire for Pat Fitzgerald.

Northwestern quarterback Clayton Thorson suffered a torn ACL in his right knee in last week's 2017 Music City Bowl.

Dan Murphy ESPN Staff Writer

Northwestern QB Clayton Thorson tore his ACL in the Music City Bowl, the school confirmed. Thorson, a three-year starter with one year of eligibility remaining, will have surgery in the middle of January.